Let’s go visit the snow monkeys bathing in the Onsen by hiring a campervan!

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is especially known for its wild Japanese macaques (Japanese monkeys) living in their natural environment, where tourists can observe them.
In addition, during the winter season, you can see the monkeys bathing in the onsen, which is the most popular moment for tourists.

If you would like to visit there, campervan rental at JAPAN ROAD TRIP is recommended.
Because to see the snow monkeys, you need to park your car on the foot of the mountain and to take a walk up to the monkey’s onsen.

How to get to Jigokudani Onsen in Nagano

Use the Nagano Expressway to head towards Nagano City.
From Nagano City, head to Jigokudani Onsen via National Route 403.
There are two different routes- The Shibu-onsen route and The Kanbayashi-onsen route, and please note that the Shibu-onsen route will be closed during the winter season, so you need to use the Kanbayashi-onsen route to get to the nearest parking lot at the entrance, from which you can access the Jigokudani monkey park on foot.
Approximately 30 minute walk will take you to the main area of monkey park and onsen.

Observation in a natural environment

 

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located near Jigokudani Onsen, a hot spring resort, and has a beautiful natural environment that changes throughout the seasons.
And before you get to Monkey Park, you need to pass a long trail in the woods, when you really enjoy the beautiful landscapes and tranquility.

Observation of animal behavior

 

The park has a vast area where Japanese macaques roam freely. From the observation area, you can see the monkeys’ natural behavior and social behavior up close.
And you don’t need to be afraid, wild monkeys there are all used to being very near tourists, so they seldom get rough at people like stealing tourists’ belongings or screaming at tourists with anger.
But one thing you shouldn’t do is to show monkeys any food.

Exhibition facilities

 

At the top of the monkey park, there is a facility that provides explanations about the ecology and behavior of monkeys. And also inside the facility, tourists can get warm to take a rest , use clean rest rooms and be served some water for free.

【Information】

• Jigokudani Monkey Park: Official Web Site
• Office hours: 9:00~16:00
• Admission fee: 800 yen per adult / 400 yen per kids

Cafeteria and Gift shop

 

There is a cafe restaurant and a gift shop around the nearest parking area on foot of the monkey park.
Most people on the way home from the park drop in at the restaurant- Enza Cafe.
Almost all the staff there speak English and Japanese, and of course their English menu is fully equipped, so any tourist will be able to enjoy delicious foods- Pizza, Ramen noodle, snacks or ice cream and make themselves at home.

【Information】

• ENZA CAFE： Official Web Site
• Office hours：9:30~17:00 (April to November) / 8:30~18:00 (December to March)
• Reservation available : +81-0269-38-1739

Summary

Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in the north of Nagano.
But to be honest, getting there from downtown Nagano is never easy.
It involves a long drive and some mountain climbing. After a long walk from the monkey park and getting cold, you can rest as soon as possible if you have a campervan at the foot of the mountain.
And you know a trip in the winter season, your belongings tend to be much, but a campervan will be able to take a large number of people and big luggages at the same time to anywhere, which can make your trip more comfortable!